was not legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not legitimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not valid, authentic, or acceptable in a particular context. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was not legitimate, leading to the dismissal of the charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But what was not legitimate was the line it crossed.

The New York Times

Was he concerned that what Ye had done was not legitimate?

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Johnson's campaign manager, however, said the expulsion was not legitimate.

The New York Times

She suggested that it was not "legitimate" to raise an allegation twenty years after the fact.

The New Yorker

We felt that was not legitimate at all, so we felt that we had to fight it," he says.

The Guardian

His lawyers argue that his conviction was not legitimate, and they are also challenging the authority of the military commission system in Australia.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

There was this sustained campaign to make it look like my science wasn't legitimate".

The New Yorker

It wasn't "legitimate" house music..

Vice

It wasn't legitimate; it was the Internet.

Huffington Post

That is not legitimate.

The New York Times

It's not legitimate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not legitimate", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or criteria are being violated. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "was not legitimate" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "wasn't fair" or "didn't make sense" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not legitimate" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by asserting that it lacks legitimacy, validity, or authorization. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct expression used to express disapproval or invalidation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not legitimate" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of validity, authenticity, or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective and serves to challenge or express disagreement, as evidenced by its appearance in various contexts such as disputing election results or criticizing policies. While suitable for both formal and neutral settings, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations, where alternatives like "wasn't fair" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not valid

Focuses on the lack of official or legal acceptance.

was not rightful

Emphasizes the absence of a just claim or entitlement.

was not justified

Highlights the lack of a valid reason or excuse.

was not permissible

Stresses the lack of authorization or allowance.

was not admissible

Relates to evidence or arguments that cannot be accepted in a formal setting.

was not acceptable

Indicates a lack of general approval or satisfaction.

was not authorized

Focuses on the lack of official permission or sanction.

was not legal

Directly states that something did not conform to the law.

was not bona fide

Indicates a lack of genuineness or authenticity.

was not warranted

Emphasizes that a certain action or outcome was not deserved or justified.

FAQs

What does "was not legitimate" mean?

The phrase "was not legitimate" means that something was not valid, acceptable, or lawful. It implies a lack of authenticity or justification.

What can I say instead of "was not legitimate"?

You can use alternatives like "was not valid", "was not justified", or "was not rightful" depending on the context.

How to use "was not legitimate" in a sentence?

You can use "was not legitimate" to express disapproval or invalidation of something. For example, "The election result was disputed because the process was not legitimate."

Is "was not legitimate" formal or informal?

"Was not legitimate" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts but may sound too formal in very casual conversations. In such cases, consider more casual alternatives.